City, country, river: Berlin combines all three points. The German capital is also a federal state and its landscape is dominated by the Spree River and its forests. In the center of Berlin, Germany was once divided and found its way back together peacefully with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Around 3.6 million inhabitants call it home; East and West have formed a unique cultural conglomerate. Berlin is considered a trendsetter in fashion, music and art and has even made a name for itself in the international film scene. The Brandenburg Gate is the architectural trademark of this vibrant metropolis. Art lovers will find what they are looking for in numerous museums; night owls can wander through Berlin's clubs, pubs and discos until the wee hours of the morning. Families are recommended to visit the zoo and the natural history museum.